The Center for Religion and Culture (CRC) at St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru drives scholarship that documents and interprets the cultural, intellectual, and social contributions of Christianity to Karnataka and India. Through rigorous research, academic programs, publications, and public engagement, CRC strengthens interreligious dialogue and fosters deeper cultural understanding.
Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives
Scholarly Documentation & Archival Projects
Public Lectures, Seminars & Dialogue Forums
Interdisciplinary studies exploring history, culture, theology, anthropology, and the lived experience of Christianity in Karnataka and India.
Preserving Christian heritage through manuscript collection, oral histories, digitization initiatives, and curated archival projects.
Workshops, certificate courses, expert lectures, and capacity-building programs designed for students, educators, and emerging scholars.
Forums and conversation platforms that foster collaboration among scholars, community leaders, and faith practitioners.
Books, journals, articles, and digital resources that advance scholarly discourse and make research publicly accessible.
Field-based programs across Karnataka documenting local histories, cultural narratives, community expressions, and grassroots knowledge.
This course explores how culture, spirituality, and ethics define the human pursuit of meaning. Students critically engage with philosophical and religious frameworks that shape personal and societal understanding of purpose.
Read ArticleA comparative study on contrasting ideologies and their cultural impact on global peace, conflict, and identity formation.
Read ArticleA comprehensive understanding of ethical systems, religious traditions, and philosophical inquiry that prepares students for leadership in a diverse and global society.
Read ArticleDesigned for students exploring faith formation, leadership, and pastoral engagement with youth communities.
Read ArticleGlobal immersion programs that broaden academic perspectives, deepen cultural awareness, and enrich interdisciplinary learning.
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We lead interdisciplinary studies exploring faith, heritage, culture, and their impact on contemporary society.
CRC hosts forums, seminars, and discussions that promote understanding across diverse traditions and perspectives.
Through lectures, certificate courses, and student programs, we cultivate critical inquiry and intellectual growth.
This project involved field visits across multiple districts to document churches, artifacts, oral histories, and community traditions, creating a digital archive for future research.
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A multi-city initiative hosting panel discussions, scholar interactions, and community forums to promote understanding and collaboration between diverse religious communities.
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Through ethnographic research and student engagement, this project mapped local cultural practices, festivals, and artistic expressions that shape Karnataka’s social identity.
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CRC translated and published rare Christian texts and manuscripts into contemporary language formats, ensuring wider accessibility for scholars, students, and cultural researchers.
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CRC organized a national-level seminar bringing together scholars, educators, and community leaders to explore the role of religion in shaping public discourse and civic life.
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The Documentation & Heritage team completed the first phase of digitizing rare manuscripts and historical records, expanding access to Christian heritage materials across Karnataka.
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CRC inaugurated a monthly dialogue series featuring theologians, social thinkers, and cultural practitioners to promote shared understanding and collaborative learning.
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CRC initiated a collaborative project with local colleges and cultural organizations to map churches, artifacts, and oral traditions across rural Karnataka, enriching ongoing heritage studies.
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The Center released its annual research report showcasing publications, field studies, and academic collaborations conducted throughout the year.
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Email : balakiran.kumarsj@sju.edu.in
The Centre for Religion and Culture (CRC), established in 2025, is a pioneering initiative dedicated to researching, documenting, and celebrating the rich contributions of Christianity to the cultures and languages of Karnataka, and to the diverse heritage of India. Rooted in scholarly rigour and a spirit of dialogue, the Centre seeks to serve as a vibrant space where memory, research, culture, and public engagement meet.
Our mission is threefold: First, to build a comprehensive repository, library, archive, and museum, that preserves the intellectual, literary, artistic, and social contributions of Christian communities in Karnataka. Second, to foster dialogue through lectures, conferences, workshops, and collaborative events that bring together academics, policymakers, civil society groups, and religious and secular leaders. Third, to advance critical scholarship by publishing a peer-reviewed journal, curating specialized collections, translating important texts, and nurturing interdisciplinary research across fields.
The CRC is also committed to academic formation. We are preparing certificate and diploma courses, as well as future undergraduate and graduate programmes in Comparative Religion, Interreligious Dialogue, Religion and Culture, and Social Thought and Ethics. Collaboration lies at the heart of our vision. We intend to actively build networks with local, national, and global institutions to deepen research and foster mutual exchange. We also seek to honour and promote Karnataka’s Christian scholars, writers, artists, and cultural contributors whose legacy continues to shape our common life.
The CRC stands as a house of memory, a home for research, and a bridge for dialogue. It is my hope that this Centre becomes a shared space of learning, encounter, and inspiration for all who seek to understand the many stories that have shaped Karnataka and India.
Chancellor, St Joseph’s University
Vice-Chancellor, St Joseph’s University
S.J. Director
Programme Co-Ordinator
